Katsina Times

In a bid to deepen democracy and gather first-hand input from citizens, the Executive Director of the Katsina State Agency for Mass Education, Hajiya Bilkisu Muhammad Kaikai, has led a major community consultation in Kaikai Ward, Kusada Local Government Area.

The meeting forms part of Governor Dikko Umar Radda’s statewide initiative to collect grassroots needs and priorities for the 2026 budget.

Addressing participants, Hajiya Bilkisu stressed that democracy must deliver tangible benefits to the people. “True democracy is one where everyone benefits from governance. That is why His Excellency, Governor Dikko Umar Radda, has taken this historic step of sending representatives to every part of the state to hear directly from the people,” she said.

She noted that this was the first time in Katsina’s history such a process was being implemented, giving communities the platform to openly express their needs and concerns.

“The Governor wants to ensure that citizens feel the impact of democracy. If there are areas the government has not yet reached, this is the opportunity to raise them so appropriate action can be taken. We are here to listen and present your issues directly to the Governor,” she added.

Hajiya Bilkisu revealed that the Radda administration had already begun key interventions in the area, including the renovation of Kaikai’s primary health centre, but said more projects could only be identified through direct community feedback.

She pledged to compile and submit all recommendations from the meeting for consideration in the 2026 budget.

The event was attended by political leaders, traditional rulers, community development officials, youth representatives, women’s groups, and party stakeholders, all of whom engaged in open discussions about their community’s needs.

This consultative approach, Hajiya Bilkisu said, reflects Governor Radda’s commitment to participatory governance, transparency, and accountability in Katsina State’s development planning.